In an exhilarating matchup on February 7, 2026, the Houston Rockets triumphed over the Oklahoma City Thunder with a final score of 112-106. This game was particularly noteworthy as Tari Eason shone brightly, achieving a personal best this season by scoring 26 points. Meanwhile, Alperen Sengun showcased his versatility with an impressive triple-double, finishing with 17 points, 12 rebounds, and 11 assists—marking his second triple-double this season and the tenth of his career. Not to be outdone, Jabari Smith Jr. contributed significantly with 22 points and 10 rebounds, while Kevin Durant added 20 points to the Rockets' total.
On the Thunder's side, Cason Wallace stood out by netting 23 points, and Isaiah Joe supported him with 21 points. However, the Thunder faced challenges due to injuries, missing their star player and reigning MVP Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who is sidelined due to an abdominal strain and will not return until after the All-Star break. They were also without 2025 All-Star Jalen Williams and promising second-year guard Ajay Mitchell, both of whom are key contributors.
Adding some excitement to the game, Jared McCain made his debut for the Thunder after being acquired in a trade with Philadelphia. He entered the game late in the first quarter and received a warm welcome from the fans, finishing with five points over 14 minutes of play. It's worth noting that Oklahoma City fans still harbor strong feelings towards Durant, who left the Thunder nearly a decade ago to join Golden State, resulting in boos during his introductions and cheers when he missed two free throws in the second quarter.
As the game progressed, McCain scored his first basket for the Thunder with around nine minutes remaining in the second quarter, helping his team establish a 46-32 lead with an alley-oop assist from Joe to Wallace. The Thunder maintained a narrow lead at halftime, finishing the half at 52-46, thanks in part to Chet Holmgren’s contributions of 10 points and 10 rebounds.
The third quarter saw the Rockets take control, entering the final period with an 80-74 advantage. Although Durant was less aggressive with his shot selection, he managed to sink a crucial jumper that pushed the Rockets ahead 107-101 with just over a minute left to play.
Looking forward, the Rockets are set to host the Los Angeles Clippers next Tuesday, while the Thunder will be visiting the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday.
